Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place! Roasted Brussels sprouts are a personal favorite of mine. They have this wonderful nutty flavor that gets even better when roasted until they’re beautifully caramelized. Plus, when you drizzle them with our creamy, tangy maple syrup or honey mustard dressing, it takes them to a whole new level!

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing family and friends during the holidays. Trust me, once you try these Roasted Brussels Sprouts, they’ll become a staple on your dining table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delightful sprouts ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy the rich flavor and crispy texture of these roasted veggies.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily prep the dressing in advance and roast the sprouts just before serving.
• Versatile flavors: The combination of sweet and tangy in the dressing pairs beautifully with many main dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that make this dish both delicious and nutritious. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts (halved)
• ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt (+ 2 twists of black pepper)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon orange juice (or lemon juice)
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or honey)
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 twists black pepper

Variations

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand!

• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts before roasting for added texture.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle on some red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
• Cheesy twist: For a cheesy flavor without dairy, sprinkle some nutritional yeast over the sprouts right before serving.
• Extra flavor boost: Mix in some minced garlic or shallots with the Brussels sprouts before roasting for an aromatic touch.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F or 200°C. This high temperature is key for achieving those perfectly charred edges. If you’d like, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Using a paring knife, trim off the woody stem of your halved Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with a kitchen cloth. This ensures they roast evenly and don’t steam.

Step 3: Season the Sprouts

Place your prepared Brussels sprouts on your baking tray and toss them with ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, along with salt and black pepper. Make sure each sprout is well-coated; this helps enhance their natural flavors while roasting.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Pop them into your preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be slightly charred on the outside but tender inside—just enough bite to keep things interesting!

Step 5: Make the Dressing

While those delightful sprouts are roasting away, grab a small jar or bowl for your dressing. Combine the remaining extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, maple syrup (or honey), mustard, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk it together until well combined; this dressing brings out such bold flavors!

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Once your Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a serving platter and generously drizzle with that lovely dressing you prepared.

Step 7: Optional Serving Tip

For an extra special touch at dinner parties, consider adding boiled chestnuts, a drizzle of tahini sauce, pomegranate seeds, or crushed hazelnuts on top for added flavor and elegance!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasting Brussels sprouts can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly caramelized and tender sprouts every time!

• Choose Fresh Sprouts: Select bright green, firm Brussels sprouts without any yellowing leaves. Freshness ensures better flavor and texture.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your sprouts plenty of space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which means less crispy edges.

• Experiment with Seasonings: While the maple syrup or honey mustard dressing is fantastic, don’t hesitate to try different herbs and spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika. This variety enhances flavor depth.

• Rotate the Pan Midway: For even roasting, turn your baking sheet halfway through cooking. This simple step promotes uniform browning and prevents any hot spots in your oven from affecting your dish.

• Taste Before Serving: After roasting, give your sprouts a quick taste test. A pinch more salt or a splash of lemon juice can elevate their flavor before serving.

How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Presenting roasted Brussels sprouts beautifully can make them the star of your meal! Here are some creative ideas for serving this delightful side dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Citrus Zest: Grate a little lemon or orange zest on top just before serving to add a zesty aroma that enhances their flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Alternative: If you’re looking for a cheesy finish without dairy, try using nutritional yeast as a sprinkle over the roasted sprouts for a savory kick.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A vibrant quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta-style cheese (or a plant-based alternative) brings refreshing flavors that complement the earthy Brussels sprouts.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic provide a comforting and rich side that pairs wonderfully with the nutty notes of roasted Brussels sprouts.

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized bring sweetness to balance out the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts while adding color to your plate.

• Lentil Stew: A hearty lentil stew filled with vegetables adds protein and warmth, making it an excellent pairing for those chilly fall evenings when roasted Brussels become a favorite side.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re set to impress at your next gathering or family dinner! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a delicious side dish that can easily be enjoyed throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the roasted Brussels sprouts to cool completely.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• After roasting, let the Brussels sprouts cool.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a softer texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for roasting?

While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make my Roasted Brussels Sprouts extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, make sure they are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet. A higher oven temperature or an additional few minutes of roasting time can also help achieve that perfect crunch!

What dishes pair well with Roasted Brussels Sprouts?

Roasted Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with roasted meats, hearty grains like quinoa or farro, and even as part of a festive holiday spread.

Can I add other vegetables to my Roasted Brussels Sprouts?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower for added color and flavor. Just adjust roasting times as needed.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Roasted Brussels Sprouts! Their unique flavor and delightful texture make them an ideal side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner or celebrating with loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your experience—happy cooking!